At first, while performing with the Holloman Honor Guard, Perez didn't think he was right for the job. After talking to prior USAF Honor Guardsmen, he realized they needed dedicated airmen like him.

He decided it was time to give back to the Air Force in his own way.

"I've been in for almost five years and I thought it was about time to at least give back to the Air Force what they've given me," Perez said.

Perez went through an extensive application process and numerous phone calls.

He created a package made up of several documents and a photo of himself that could have been the deciding factor between acceptance or being cut from the USAF elite ceremonial unit.

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"I think what set me apart from other applicants was that I was always engaged with the recruiters," the Umatac native said. "I called the recruiters every week. 'What do I do with this, what's the best choice for that?' If they don't feel like just from your pictures you present the image they want, then they can just deny you just from going off your picture."

Ready to reach the next stepping stone in his life, Perez feels honored to be selected for this special duty that requires dedication to excellence, commitment to perfection and the wiliness to provide a selfless service to the USAF.

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